“A gift card is a practical gift that many people receive during the holidays and throughout the year. Unfortunately, despite federal regulation, some companies still try to insert limitations that devalue the card and ultimately short-change the consumer,” Teplitz said in a news release. “My bill would protect Pennsylvania consumers who purchase or use a gift card in Pennsylvania by ensuring that the card retains its actual value, no matter when the gift is used.”

Teplitz said if his legislation is approved, Pennsylvania would join 38 other states that have enacted additional gift card protections beyond the CARD Act. Most of those states have eliminated inactivity fees and expiration dates.